A mixed bag from Washington and Oregon

The following assortment of notes was gathered at the annual London showing of wines from Washington and Oregon. Together they are nothing if not diverse, with a broad array of varieties, prices and quality levels. In a market such as the UK, the question is quite where they would fit onto our crowded shelves.

For instance, the premium Oregon Pinots can hold their own against good examples from Burgundy, California, New Zealand et al – but the asking price is equally high. This is the perennial peril of Pinot, of course – but I couldn't find a compelling reason to...